The main objective was achieved, namely EnFinCap was to empower women micro-entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial and financial competences, knowledge and confidence to take charge of their lives and create a secure future for themselves and their families. The aim of the project was to increase the number of successful women entrepreneurs or self-employed women. Specifically, the project improved entrepreneurial and financial literacy in the beauty and well-being sectors, as women are often employed in these sectors. We have also achieved individual specific objectives, namely: 1. we mapped existing competences in the partner countries on entrepreneurial and financial "literacy", existing competences, knowledge, obtaining a total of 238 responses 2. we have created a platform (with an e-course) to ensure that women entrepreneurs acquire knowledge, skills and competences in the field of entrepreneurship and financial literacy; 3. we created training materials and carried out short-term training for staff (n=23) and training for women entrepreneurs (41); 4. 5 multiplier events with 170 participants. 5. we spread awareness about the project and the project itself (IG, youtube, website, twitter) 6. we signed 6 MoUs.
Eurostat (2018) reports that women are significantly less likely to be self-employed and entrepreneurs than men. Challenges that discourage women from doing so are multifaceted, linked to human capital - e.g. women have less entrepreneurial experience than men, less social capital (smaller networks, less links to funding), less knowledge about entrepreneurship and finance. There is a negative perception of women entrepreneurs in society and politics, including tax systems and family policies. Interestingly, Leitch et al. (2018) explain that women entrepreneurs are less likely to seek advice and external financing because they believe that bankers perceive them as less reliable. Women entrepreneurs mostly work in the personal service sector (e.g. hairdressing, beauticians, beauty services). We have analysed the actual situation in Maribor and Larissa and visit hairdressers, massage parlours, beauticians,..., carrying out in-situ surveys. We got a response that they would need additional skills in entrepreneurship, including digitalisation, skills in preparing annual reports, managing accounts, understanding finance, interest, financial products for entrepreneurs, etc. and would be willing to participate in the activity.